How to Reseed Your Lawn
Learn the ultimate lawn care task - reseeding your lawn. Find out how to pick the best grass seed, the step-by-step process of seeding your grass, and what you need to keep on top of your lawn maintenance.
Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $500
What You Need for This Project
Grass Seed 101
Before you pick your grass seed
it is important to test your soil. You can pick high quality grass seed, but it
won’t do much growing if the soil pH isn’t balanced. Look for pH levels between
6 and 7.5.
Warm Vs. Cool Season Grass Seed: Canadians will want to look for cool season grass seed. This type of seed will ensure your turf will last through winter, and it tends to be more shade-tolerant. Warm season grass seed is for warmer climate countries, like the Caribbean islands and parts of the States .
Foot-traffic: If you’re planting seed on high-traffic areas, you’ll want to avoid fine fescue as it tends to be more brittle. It won’t stand up to those pool parties or soccer games.
When Do I Reseed My Lawn?
For cool season grass, the best time of year to reseed your lawn is spring or fall. Both seasons offer benefits for perfect results.
Reseeding at the end of spring ensures that cool season grass seed will have enough time to establish before the cold weather sets in. Reseeding in the fall means less risk of weeds, but the soil will still be warm.
- 1
Rake & Till Your Lawn
Prepare your lawn for re-seeding by gently removing dead grass and weeds with a garden rake. You must make sure every bit of dead grass is removed, so use those muscles!
Then using a tiller, spread turf builder across the entire area you plan on re-seeding. Till them into the soil about 5 inches deep.
Steps:
- 2
Fertilize
Using a spreader, fertilize what remains of the lawn. It is best to use a starter fertilizer because it has the proper nutrients that grass seeds need to germinate and grow quickly.
Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper spread rate for a new lawn.
Steps:
- 3
Spread Grass Seeds
Using the other side of the rake, drag the prongs across the soil to create furrows. Spread the grass seed with a spreader or by hand, and then, using the rake, gently cover the seeds with surrounding soil.
Steps:
- 4
Prepare Add Mulch
Add a thin layer of cedar mulch to help the soil retain moisture and help the seeds set. This also prevents any seeds from washing or blowing away.
Steps:
- 5
Water Your New Lawn
Next, water the lawn generously. Stop as soon as you see puddles forming.
It is important to water your newly seeded lawn every week but be sure not to over-water it. Use a sprinkler to ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water.
Steps:
How to Terms
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.
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